Molecular characterization and complete genome of a novel nepovirus from red clover

Abstract

During high throughput sequencing (HTS) of leaves from a symptomatic red clover plant, a new RNA virus, tentatively named red clover nepovirus A (RCNVA), was discovered. The complete genomic sequence was determined and characterized. Particularly noteworthy was that RCNVA shares high sequence identities in RNA1 with a group of phylogenetically related nepoviruses while homologies in the RNA2 segments are markedly lower. Based on the genomic organization and phylogenetic attributes, RCNVA should be classified as a novel virus of the genus Nepovirus (subfamily Comovirinae, family Secoviridae, order Picornavirales).